1
as in sources
a point or place at which something is invented or provided
the origins of human language remain a matter of considerable debate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in roots
the source from which something grows or develops
the origin of the tradition of giving presents at Christmastime
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in lineages
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended
they could trace their origins back 15 generations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of origins
With similarly humble origins, Frank Howard’s famous rock, which was brought back to him by a fan from California’s Death Valley, began as a doorstop.
—
Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
Since then, research into the disease and its origins has expanded significantly, uncovering genetic, biochemical and environmental factors that may contribute to its onset and progression.
—The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025
Despite its distant origins, Bugonia would prove to be of a piece with the Lanthimosian extended universe.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
Its origins lie in finding the root causes of cardiovascular diseases, especially heart attacks and strokes.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
The show sees Bill Skarsgård reprise his role as Pennywise, though Season 1 takes its time introducing him in the form we’re used to seeing, and seeks to explore the origins of a character who was already quite fleshed out at the start of King’s book.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025
The bureau also worked with an osteologist to take noninvasive measurements of the skulls to help identify their origins and return them for proper reburial ceremonies.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
Scientific research into the origins of the solar system, planetary-defence reconnaissance, and resource-prospecting.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
Both creatures have racked up seven movies of their own each, and, of the two, only Alien’s xenomorph has — just about — kept its mystery and gravitas, despite Ridley Scott’s best efforts in the bizarre attempt at an origins story in Prometheus.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
Since then, research into the disease and its origins has expanded significantly, uncovering genetic, biochemical and environmental factors that may contribute to its onset and progression.
—The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025
Despite its distant origins, Bugonia would prove to be of a piece with the Lanthimosian extended universe.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
Its origins lie in finding the root causes of cardiovascular diseases, especially heart attacks and strokes.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
The show sees Bill Skarsgård reprise his role as Pennywise, though Season 1 takes its time introducing him in the form we’re used to seeing, and seeks to explore the origins of a character who was already quite fleshed out at the start of King’s book.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025
The bureau also worked with an osteologist to take noninvasive measurements of the skulls to help identify their origins and return them for proper reburial ceremonies.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
Scientific research into the origins of the solar system, planetary-defence reconnaissance, and resource-prospecting.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
Both creatures have racked up seven movies of their own each, and, of the two, only Alien’s xenomorph has — just about — kept its mystery and gravitas, despite Ridley Scott’s best efforts in the bizarre attempt at an origins story in Prometheus.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origins
Noun
-
The change has proved costly because Venezuela lost one of its few remaining sources of legitimate income.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
-
As global demand for cleaner and more efficient energy sources intensifies, solar power remains one of the most promising solutions.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The roots anchor in the soil, providing a firm foundation for stems, branches, and leaves.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Mulching too early traps heat and tricks plant roots to remain active and produce new growth.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The paleontologist Simon Conway Morris points out that there are common and widespread patterns of convergent evolution in life’s history, where similar adaptations, like eyes, wings, and streamlined bodies, evolved independently in unrelated lineages.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Participants danced and sang songs native to their tribal lineages.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In the photos, Travis can be seen down on one knee as Swift cradles his face in the sweet moment.—
Natalia Senanayake,
PEOPLE,
3 Oct. 2025
-
However, looking deep into these swirling cradles of planet formation has always been tricky.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This is a year of new beginnings and adventures!—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
-
In straightforward and compelling prose, Sammy, then 40, tells the story of his vaudeville beginnings, his growth as an entertainer, and his movement through America.—
Questlove,
The Atlantic,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
This lack of representation is problematic for people of different ancestries because genetic risk factors differ across populations.—
Rachel Nuwer,
Scientific American,
14 Oct. 2025
-
The box covers the most popular classes and ancestries such as humans, elves, dwarves and halflings.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Following its role in last year’s historic run for awards season sensation Emilia Pérez, the American French Film Festival returns with a 2025 lineup boasting a pair of projects with Hollywood pedigrees, alongside an array of potential breakouts.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Oct. 2025
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The indictment also accused the men of purchasing the counterfeit prescription drugs without proper paperwork, known as T3s/pedigrees, and reselling them to pharmacy customers.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The seal texts often introduced the owners with their names, genealogies, gender, professions and hometowns.—
Serdar Yalçin,
The Conversation,
3 Nov. 2025
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Transcripts, grammars, vocabularies, dictionaries, glyph studies, botanical studies, commentaries, articles, editions of codices, correspondence, maps, charts, drawings, photographs, Maya Society materials, genealogies of Maya families, and Mayan glyphs on moveable type.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Origins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origins. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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